The class of 1954 was treated to an early, and extended, fall mini-reunion in Hanover, October 7-9. To the delight of the 89 attendees, representing an all-time ’54 mini-reunion record, the approval level could not have been higher. Based on a previous executive committee decision to plan a fall weekend earlier than the usual Homecoming, in the hope of having warmer weather as well as the opportunity to see a football game, we enjoyed a fun-filled, mostly sunny three days. We even got to see an exciting Dartmouth vs. Yale game, its outcome notwithstanding.


Co-chairs Jay Davis and Steve Mullins provided us with a number of scheduled activities, starting with an opening reception in the faculty lounge of Hopkins Center on Thursday evening. Friday morning, Peter Travis, former chairman of the English department, lectured on “Chaucer & the English Language,” complete with attempts to have those in attendance mouth words from The Canterbury Tales in acceptable Chaucerian English. Jay then provided a guided tour to hearty ’54 walkers, viewing fall colors and old stone walls on the Appalachian Trail in Hanover.


After a two-hour Friday afternoon executive committee meeting, led by class president Don Berlin, we enjoyed a steak and lobster dinner at the DOC House at Occom Pond. Saturday morning the class joined other reuning classes in Alumni Hall at Hopkins Center to hear President Kim’s excellent talk about the importance of liberal arts being so essential to Dartmouth’s identity. Following the Yale game the weekend concluded with its undeniable highlight: a delightful dinner at Carol and Steve Mullins’ spectacular barn adjacent to their home in Norwich. 


In advance of our posting online and mailing the winter edition of the class of 1954 newsletter, we ask all classmates who prefer receiving hard copies of the newsletter to advise Alumni Relations: 6068 Blunt Alumni Center, Hanover, NH 03755; phone (603) 646-2258; fax: (603) 646-1600; e-mail: dartmouth.alumni.relatations@dartmouth.edu. Classmates for whom we have valid e-mail addresses will continue to receive notification via e-mail that the newsletter is available online, and a link will be provided. In other words, hard copies of the newsletter will not be sent to classmates and others who are on the College’s e-mail list—unless specifically requested. 


Sad to report the deaths of Ron Stillman, Dick Plummer and Howard “Mickey” Sloane. Their obituaries can be viewed through the ’54 website at www.dartmouth.org/classes/54 and with the Jan/Feb issue of DAM at www.dartmouthalumnimagazine.com.


—Anthony Kane, 650 Park Ave., #18A, New York, NY 10065; (212) 628-2147; akane32@nyc.rr.com